The Water Wiggler is a small, battery-operated device designed to introduce continuous movement into standing water, primarily for use in outdoor bird baths. Its function is strictly mechanical, generating a ripple effect across the water’s surface. It does not provide filtration, heating, or chemical treatment. The self-contained unit operates silently, serving as an effective tool for backyard wildlife enthusiasts.
The Purpose of Water Agitation
Agitating standing water serves two significant ecological purposes in a backyard environment. Constant surface movement acts as a highly effective, non-chemical method for controlling mosquito breeding. Female mosquitoes, which can transmit pathogens like West Nile virus, require still water to lay eggs and for larvae to develop.
The continuous rippling disrupts the water’s surface tension, preventing mosquitoes from safely landing and depositing egg rafts. The agitation also prevents mosquito larvae, which are obligate air breathers, from anchoring themselves to the surface to take in oxygen. By eliminating stagnant conditions, the Water Wiggler makes the water source unusable as a breeding ground.
The second major benefit is the device’s ability to attract a greater variety of birds. Birds are instinctively drawn to the sight and sound of moving water, which signals a fresh, safe source for drinking and bathing. The visual cue of light reflecting off the ripples catches the attention of birds flying overhead. Moving water can attract significantly more birds than a completely still water source.
Mechanics and Practical Application
The Water Wiggler operates using a simple, self-contained vibratory mechanism. Power is supplied by two D-cell batteries, which drive a small electric motor housed within the water-resistant casing. This motor is connected to an agitator, often an off-center weight, which rapidly spins to create continuous vibration.
The resulting vibration is transmitted through the device’s base into the water, producing gentle surface ripples. Installation is simple because the device does not rely on a pump or tubing, requiring no external wiring or plumbing; the unit is merely placed into the bird bath basin. A set of D-cell batteries can power the device for up to two months of continuous use.
Practical application requires monitoring the water level to ensure the device remains partially submerged but not fully flooded, as it is not designed for deep underwater operation. Maintenance consists primarily of replacing the batteries when agitation ceases and periodically cleaning the unit to remove mineral deposits or debris. The device is safe for use in heated bird baths during colder months, ensuring year-round function.